Kevin A. Ormsby is one of fifteen finalists for the Johanna Metcalf Performing Art Prizes

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is no doubt that the Jamaican-born choreographer is on a mission. He was announced as one of the fifteen finalists for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna Metcalf des Arts de la scene (Johannas).

George Cedric Metcalf launched the Metcalf Foundation in 1960. Its three principal areas of focus are: the environment, poverty reduction, and the performing arts. The mission of the foundation is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy and creative society. In addition, the foundation cultivates, supports, and celebrates those working on the frontlines of social change to improve the health and vibrancy of our culture, community, and the environment.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has increased its charitable spending to $8 million, which represents an increase of 25% in 2020. The naming of these prizes in honour of Johanna Metcalf is a tribute to her contributions to the foundation for over 40 years. The prize was created to carry on Johanna’s legacy as a passionate supporter of the arts and artists. The Johannas celebrate artists in Ontario who have made a recognized impact on the field and the public and show great promise in the ongoing pursuit of their ambitious and visionary practices.

The fifteen finalists that were selected come from diverse disciplines such as dance, theatre, and music/opera as well as artists who intersect within these disciplines. There will be a prize of $25,000 awarded to each of the five winners and a $10,000 prize to each protegee to encourage artists who are trying to make inroads into the artistic community.

It is fitting that Kevin is named as one of the finalists. He currently serves as Artistic Director of KasheDance, Program Manager at Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPMAO) responsible for delivering EDI programming for artists and organizations, and Professor of Dance at Centennial College. His career spans over 30 years and he worked with dancers such Marie-Josee Chartier, Allison Cummings, Patrick Parson, Ronald Taylor, Ron K. Brown, Menaka Thakkar, Mark Morris, Bill T. Jones, Garth Fagan, Liz Lerman, Bageshree Vaze, and Lemi Ponifasio. He toured in the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S.

He has received several awards such as the Canadian Council for the Arts Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award and is currently a TAC Cultural Leaders Fellow. As an artist, he is on a quest to challenge society’s perceptions and expectations through his art form.

The announcement of the five winners and their protégés will be made on May 19^th, 2022. Anyone interested in learning about Kevin’s work over the years can follow him at:

Website: www.kaeja.org

Facebook: Kevin A. Ormsby

Instagram: @kevinaormsby

LinkedIn: Kevin A. Ormsby